188 KENNEL DISEASES. 
pion are successful in a goodly proportion of cases. But since they are the con- 
sequences of disease or injuries, and not primary affections, it would be too 
much to expect the pleasing results that might be obtained were treatment ad- 
dressed to original affections. There are several operations for entropion, but 
the most common is excision of a portion of the skin from the eyelid. When the 
edges of the wound are stitched together the lid is drawn outward, and generally 
remains so, although relapses may occur. 
Ectropion is a turning out of the eyelid from the eyeball. 
The trouble is usually on the lower lid, and may be the result of wounds or 
burns of the skin under the eyes, and loss of tissue, which causes subsequent 
contraction in healing and a pulling downward of the lid. It may also be the 
consequence of severe and prolonged conjunctivitis. 
The affected lid is turned out, so as to show its lining membrane, which is 
reddened and inflamed from exposure to the air, dust, etc. The eyes are watery, 
mucus collects in their corners, and tears fall down over the cheeks. 
Only in recent and very mild forms of the affection are favorable results likely 
to be obtained by means of medicinal treatment. That failing, an operation 
would be necessary. The former consists in “touching” the connective tissue of 
the eyelid with the nitrate of silver or sulphate of copper. It must necessarily 
be done by a physician; and it were better always that he at once remove a 
portion of the eyelid without trying this experimental treatment, which does not 
promise well. 
PTERYGIUM AND SYMBLEPHARON. 
Pterygium is a triangular-shaped thickening of the mucous membrane cover- 
ing the eyeball and enlargement of the blood-vessels situated in one or both 
corners of the eye. From its fancied resemblance to the wing of a bat that 
name has been given it, the word meaning “little wing.” 
Although it may arise independently of any general inflammation, it is usually 
the consequence of conjunctivitis. 
It can be quite easily removed by a surgical operation, but it is never advi- 
sable to interfere unless it grows upon the cornea, and thus obstructs the vision. 
Symblepharon is the name given to a condition in which a portion of the lids 
have grown to the eyeball. This is usually in consequence of severe inflamma- 
tions resulting from burns of the eye, and such are generally caused by the use 
of too powerful caustics employed in the treatment of eye affections. 
It is very hard to cure, because it is extremely difficult to break up the adhe- 
sions permanently ; and even a most skilful operation is liable to fail. 
